Hinged clamp for spacer-damper

ABSTRACT

A clamp for a spacer-damper includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw. The first jaw has a first clamping surface and a first aperture. The first aperture retains the fastener in an initial position and in a second position spaced latterly from said initial position. The second jaw has a second clamping surface and an open-ended second aperture. The second aperture receives the fastener in the second position. The first jaw may also include a keeper surface for receiving the fastener in an initial position, a keeper pocket for receiving the fastener in a second position and a keeper protrusion is positioned between the keeper surface and the keeper pocket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to clamps for conductors includingspacer-dampers for power transmission lines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utility lines are used to transmit power from a generating facility to adistribution point. Typically, high voltage conductor lines are bundledover long distances to efficiently and economically transfer power andmust be spaced from one another to avoid damage.

Damage to individual conductors in bundled electrical transmission linesmay be caused by the vibration and oscillation or galloping of theconductors. Such undesired motions may be induced by the wind, and mayhave longitudinal, transverse and vertical components. Suppression ofthese vibrations and oscillations requires a resilient connectionbetween the conductors with all the conductors in a bundle being spacedfrom one another while allowing a limited amount of flexing to occur.

The motion of the conductors in a bundle may also be caused byelectrical power surges, which cause the conductors in a bundle to beattracted toward the center thereof. For example, in a bundle of threeconductors defining, in cross section, a triangle, a surge causes theconductors to be attracted to a point at the center of the triangle.Similarly, in a bundle of four conductors defining, in cross section, aquadrilateral, a surge causes the conductors to be attracted to a pointat the center of the quadrilateral.

To avoid damage of the conductor lines, spacer-dampers are used toensure sufficient distance between conductors and to provide vibrationdampening. Spacer-dampers are attached to the conductors at certainintervals along the transmission distance. Because the transmissiondistance is often long, a large number of spacer-dampers are typicallyneeded. The spacer-dampers must also be manually attached to theconductors, resulting in a labor intensive process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a clamp for a spacer-damper includes afirst jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw. The first jaw hasa first clamping surface and a first aperture. The first apertureretains the fastener in an initial position and in a second positionspaced laterally from the initial position. The second jaw has a secondclamping surface and an open-ended second aperture. The second aperturereceives the fastener in the second position.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a clamp for a spacer-damperincludes a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw. Thefirst jaw has a first clamping surface, a first aperture for retaining afastener, a keeper surface for receiving the fastener in an initialposition and a keeper pocket for receiving the fastener in a secondposition. A keeper protrusion is positioned between the keeper surfaceand the keeper pocket. The second jaw has a second clamping surface anda second aperture for receiving the fastener in the second position.

In accordance with another embodiment, a spacer damper has a pluralityof arms and a plurality of clamps connected to the plurality of arms. Atleast one of the arms includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected tothe first jaw. The first jaw has a first hinge, a first arcuate clampingsurface, and an enclosed first aperture for retaining a fastener. Thefirst jaw also has a keeper surface for receiving the fastener in aninitial position, a keeper protrusion, and a keeper pocket for receivingthe fastener in a second position. The second jaw has a second hingepivotally connected to the first hinge, a second arcuate clampingsurface, and an open-ended second aperture for receiving the fastener inthe second position.

Other embodiments, including apparatus, systems, methods, and the likewhich constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent uponreading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand viewing the drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and therefore not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthe specification. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spacer-damper according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the spacer-damper of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a clamp in a closed position accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the clamp of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the clamp of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the clamp of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the clamp of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the clamp of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 3 in the openposition;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a side view in section of the clamp of FIG. 3 in the openposition; and

FIG. 12 is a side view in section of the clamp of FIG. 3 in the closedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment of theinvention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which likereference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughoutthe drawings.

A spacer-damper 20 includes a frame 22 and a set of clamps 24. The frame22 includes a plurality of rigid arms 26. The arms 26 may be formed as aunitary structure or may be separately formed and attached to oneanother. The arms 26 may be metallic, for example an aluminum alloy, ormade from any suitable composite material. A corner 28 is formed at theconnection of each arm 26 and a clamp 24 is positioned at each corner28. The clamps 24 are pivotally connected with respect to the frame 22and extend radially outwardly therefrom. Each clamp 24 includes anopening 30 for receiving a conductor C.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the center of each opening 30 may lay along acommon circle. The clamps 24 may be connected to the frame 22 in avariety of manners as would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art. The position of the clamps 24, as well as the size and spacingof the arms 22, may vary dependent on the application. Although thespacer-damper 20 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 has three arms 22 and threeclamps 24, other combinations, for example one arm 22 and two clamps 24or four arms 22 and four clamps 24, may be utilized to provide spacingand vibration damping for two, four, six, eight, or any number ofindividual conductors.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-10, the clamp 24 includes a first jaw 32 and asecond jaw 34 pivotally connected to the first jaw 32. The second jaw 34is moveable with respect to the first jaw 32 from an open position to aclosed position. The first and second jaws 32, 34 may be held in theclosed position by a mechanical fastener 36 having a first portion 38and a second portion 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the FIGS.3-10, the first portion 38 is a bolt and the second portion 40 is a nut,although any suitable mechanical fastener 36 may be used. When the firstand second jaws 32, 34 are in the closed position, the mechanicalfastener 36 may be tightened to prevent movement of the jaws 32, 34 withrespect to one another.

The first jaw 32 has a arcuate first outer surface 42 and a ridge 44extending from the first outer surface 42. The ridge 44 shelters themechanical fastener 36 and helps prevent or minimize corona dischargearound the clamp 24. An eyelet 46 is positioned between the ridge 44 anda portion of the first outer surface 42. The eyelet 46 assists a user inpositioning the clamp 24 and also reduces the material and weight of theclamp 24. A leg 48 extends from the ridge 44 and connects to a journalmember 50. The journal member 50 is substantially tordial in shape,having an opening for pivotally connecting to the frame 22. The journalmember 50 includes a set of corrugations or radially extending teeth 52allowing the journal member 50 to be locked in a series of set pivotedpositions relative to the frame 22. An arcuate projection 54 extendsoutwardly from the journal member 50. The first jaw 32 may be a unitarystructure or formed from multiple pieces.

As best shown in FIG. 10, the first jaw 32 includes a first innerclamping surface 56. The first inner clamping surface 56 includes anarcuate surface designed to clamp a cylindrical conductor. Variousalternative embodiments may utilize a non-round configuration, forexample an elliptical or polygonal configuration, to clamp differentshaped conductors. A set of protrusions 58A, 58B, 58C extend from thefirst inner clamping surface 56 to engage and retain a first bushing 60.The first bushing 60 has an outer surface 62 contacting the first jawand an inner surface 64 for contacting a conductor. The first bushing 60may also include depressions to mate with the protrusions 58A, 58B, 58C(not shown). The first bushing 60 provides damping and prevents damageto the conductor and the clamp 24 during use. The first bushing 60 maybe made from an elastomeric material and have a high temperatureresistance.

A first aperture 66 extends through the first jaw 32. As best shown inFIGS. 5 and 9, the first aperture 66 is a substantially obround oroblong opening that extends through at least a portion of the leg 48 andat least a portion of the ridge 44. In alternative embodiments, theposition, size, and shape of the first aperture 66 may vary. The obroundopening retains the mechanical fastener 36 allowing it to be movedlaterally between a first position and a second position.

The first jaw 32 also includes a keeper surface 68 around at least aportion of the first aperture 66. The keeper surface 68 receives themechanical fastener 36 in the initial position as shown in FIG. 11. Inthe initial position, the nut 40 may rest on the keeper surface 68 orthe bolt 38 may simply be positioned in the first aperture 66 proximatethe keeper surface 68. The initial position spaces the mechanicalfastener 36 from the second jaw 34, allowing the second jaw 34 to bepivotally moved relative to the first jaw 32 without impedance.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first jaw 32 also includes akeeper pocket 70. The keeper pocket 70 receives the mechanical fastener36 in a second position as depicted in FIG. 12. The keeper pocket 70 isa recessed area around at least a portion of the first aperture 66. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the keeper pocket 70 is sized orotherwise configured to engage the nut 40 to prevent rotation of the nut40 with respect to the bolt 38.

A keeper protrusion 72 is positioned between the keeper surface 68 andthe keeper pocket 70. The keeper protrusion 72 includes an inclinedfirst side 74 adjacent the keeper surface 68, a planar top surface 76,and a vertical second side 78 adjacent the keeper pocket 70. The keeperprotrusion 72 extends above the keeper surface 68 and the keeper pocket70. The inclined first side 74 allows the nut 40 to slide over thekeeper protrusion 72 and settle into the keeper pocket 70. The verticalsecond side 78 assists in retaining the nut 40 after it enters thekeeper pocket 70. In various exemplary embodiments, the keeperprotrusion 72 may be omitted and the keeper pocket 70 may be adepression adjacent the keeper surface 68. In other embodiments, thekeeper pocket 70 and the keeper protrusion 72 may be omitted and thekeeper surface 68 may receive the mechanical fastener 36 in the initialand second positions.

The second jaw 34 includes an arcuate second outer surface 80, a firstextension 82 and a second extension 84 extending from the second outersurface 80, and a ledge 86 extending from the second outer surface 80.The ledge 86 is positioned at least partially between the first andsecond extensions 82, 84. The first and second extensions 82, 84 shelterthe mechanical fastener 36 and help prevent or minimize corona dischargearound the clamp 24. The second jaw 34 may be a unitary structure orformed from multiple pieces.

The second jaw 34 includes a second inner clamping surface 88 having anarcuate surface designed to clamp a cylindrical conductor. Variousalternative embodiments may utilize a non-round configuration, forexample, an elliptical or polygonal configuration, to clamp differentshaped conductors. A set of protrusions 90A, 90B, 90C extend from thesecond inner clamping surface 88 to engage and retain a second resilientbushing 92. The second bushing 92 has an outer surface 94 contacting thesecond jaw 34 and an inner surface 96 for contacting a conductor. Thesecond bushing 92 provides damping and prevents damage to the conductorand the clamp 24 during use. The second bushing 92 may also includedepressions to mate with the protrusions 90A, 90B, 90C (not shown). Thesecond bushing 92 may be made from an elastomeric material and have ahigh temperature resistance.

A second aperture 98 extends through the second jaw 34. The secondaperture 98 is formed in the ledge 86 and is a U-shaped slot having anopen end remote from the second inner clamping surface 88. In variousalternative embodiments, the size, shape, and position of the secondaperture 98 may vary. As best shown in FIG. 12, when the second jaw 34is in the closed position, the mechanical fastener 36 may be moved fromthe initial opening position to a second locking position, passing intothe second aperture 98. As the mechanical fastener 36 is tightened, aportion of the mechanical fastener, for example a head or one or morewashers associated with the head, contacts the ledge 86 to hold thesecond jaw 34 in the closed position.

The second jaw 34 is pivotally connected to the first jaw 32. The firstjaw 32 includes a first hinge member and the second jaw includes asecond hinge member. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the first hingemember includes an inner hinge 100 having a first hinge opening 102 andthe second hinge member includes a pair of outer hinges 104A, 104B eachhaving an outer hinge opening 106A, 106B. The inner hinge 100 ispositioned between the outer hinges 104A, 104B, aligning the first andsecond hinge openings 102, 106A, 106B. A pin 108 is then insertedthrough the first and second hinge openings 102, 106A, 106B. The pin 108may be retained in the first and second openings 102, 106A, 106B throughan interference fit or other means. Alternative embodiments may utilizedifferent structures to pivotally connect the first jaw 32 and thesecond jaw 34. The first and second jaw 32, 34 may also be moveablyconnected together in a different manner, for example a slidingconnection.

In operation, the spacer-damper 20 is positioned between a group ofconductors. The mechanical fastener 36 is retained in the first aperture66 of the first jaw 32. The mechanical fastener 36 may include a screwor bolt 38 having a head and threaded portion for receiving a nut 40.The nut 40 may be a locking nut that will resist loosening oncetightened and may also be configured to prevent the nut 38 from beingcompletely removed from the bolt 38, for example through deformations ordistortions of the threads on the nut or the bolt.

The clamp 24 is held proximate the conductor with the second jaw 34 inthe open position. In this stage, the mechanical fastener 36 is placedin the initial position proximate, or in contact with the keeper surface68. The second jaw 34 is then rotated into the closed position so thatthe first and second jaws 32, 34 at least partially enclose theconductor. The mechanical fastener 36 is then moved from the initialposition to the second position where it is received in the secondaperture 98. In the exemplary embodiment, the mechanical fastener 36 ismoved over the keeper protrusion 72, sliding up and over the inclinedsurface 74 and the top surface 76, and then settled into the secondposition inside the keeper pocket 70. The mechanical fastener 36 may becapable of translating from the first position to the second position,although some rotation of the mechanical fastener 36 may be caused bythe keeper protrusion 72. In various alternative embodiments the keeperprotrusion 72 and the keeper pocket 70 may be omitted or only the keeperprotrusion 72 may be omitted. Once the mechanical fastener 36 is in thesecond position, a tool may be used to rotate the bolt 38. The nut 40 isheld in the keeper pocket 70 configured to prevent rotation of the nut40 as the bolt 38 is turned, allowing the mechanical fastener 36 to betightened using a single tool.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodimentshas been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of theinvention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilledin the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Any of theembodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with oneanother to form various additional embodiments not specificallydisclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and areintended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope ofthe appended claims. The specification describes specific examples toaccomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

What is claimed:
 1. A clamp for a spacer-damper comprising: a first jawhaving a first clamping surface and a first aperture for retaining afastener in an initial position and in a second position spacedlaterally from said initial position; and a second jaw connected to saidfirst jaw having a second clamping surface and an open-ended secondaperture for receiving the fastener in said second position.
 2. Theclamp for a spacer-damper of claim 1 wherein said first jaw includes akeeper pocket for receiving said fastener in said second position. 3.The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 2 wherein a fastener is retainedin said first aperture having a first portion and a second portion. 4.The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 3 wherein said keeper pocket issized and shaped to prevent rotation of said second portion with respectto said first portion.
 5. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 4wherein said first portion includes a bolt and said second portionincludes a nut.
 6. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 1 wherein akeeper surface receives the fastener in said initial position, a keeperpocket receives the fastener in said second position, and a keeperprotrusion is positioned between said keeper surface and said keeperpocket.
 7. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 6 wherein said keeperprotrusion comprises an inclined side adjacent said keeper surface. 8.The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 1 wherein said first jawcomprises an inner hinge member and said second jaw comprises an outerhinge member and said outer hinge member is pivotally connected to saidinner hinge member by a pin.
 9. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 1wherein a first bushing is attached to said first clamping surface; anda second bushing is attached to said second clamping surface.
 10. Aclamp for a spacer-damper comprising: a first jaw having a firstclamping surface, a first aperture for retaining a fastener, a keepersurface for receiving the fastener in an initial position, a keeperpocket for receiving the fastener in a second position, and a keeperprotrusion positioned between said keeper surface and said keeperpocket; and a second jaw connected to said first jaw having a secondclamping surface and a second aperture for receiving the fastener insaid second position.
 11. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 10wherein a fastener is retained in said first aperture having a bolt anda nut.
 12. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 11 wherein said keeperpocket is sized to prevent rotation of said nut with respect to saidbolt.
 13. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 12 wherein saidfastener is moved laterally from said first position to said secondposition.
 14. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 10 wherein saidkeeper protrusion includes an inclined side adjacent said keepersurface.
 15. The clamp for a spacer-damper of claim 10 wherein saidfirst aperture includes a substantially obround opening.
 16. The clampfor a spacer-damper of claim 10 wherein said second aperture includes asubstantially U-shaped slot.
 17. A spacer-damper comprising: a pluralityof arms; a plurality of clamps connected to said plurality of arms,wherein at least one of said plurality of clamps includes, a first jawhaving a first hinge, a first arcuate clamping surface, an enclosedfirst aperture for retaining a fastener, a keeper surface for receivingthe fastener in an initial position, a keeper protrusion, and a keeperpocket for receiving the fastener in a second position; and a second jawconnected to said first jaw having a second hinge pivotally connected tosaid first hinge, a second arcuate clamping surface, and an open-endedsecond aperture for receiving the fastener in said second position. 18.The spacer-damper of claim 17 wherein said plurality of arms are aunitary structure.
 19. The spacer-damper of claim 17 wherein saidplurality of clamps are pivotally connected to said plurality of arm.20. The spacer-damper of claim 17 wherein the fastener is retained insaid first aperture having a bolt and a nut and said keeper pocket isconfigured to prevent rotation of said nut with respect to said boltwhen said fastener is in said second position.